4. Clean walls — dust, grease, and smoke block adhesion
5. Sand glossy or rough areas; dust again
6. Caulk trim gaps and fine cracks at baseboards (paintable latex caulk)
7. Tape trim, ceiling line, and adjacent rooms if needed
8. Prime where required; then paint
Cleaning matters more than people think
Kitchens and hallways: wash with mild TSP substitute or degreaser, rinse, dry. Dusty bedrooms: wipe with damp cloth or vacuum walls with brush attachment.
Do not paint over cobwebs, cooking grease, or bathroom soap film — paint will peel or chip later.
Sanding and deglossing
Lightly scuff glossy old paint with 120–150 grit or use a deglosser liquid for trim. Goal is a matte tooth for the new coat to grip — you are not removing all old paint.
Always dust after sanding. Tack cloths pick up fine particles that ruin a smooth finish.
Protect the room
Canvas drop cloths on floors — plastic is slippery on stairs
Frog tape or blue painter tape on trim; press edges firmly
Ventilate: open windows, fan out — especially for oil primer or high-VOC products
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wash walls before painting?
Yes in kitchens, bathrooms, and kid rooms. A clean surface is the cheapest insurance against peeling. Lightly soiled living rooms may only need dusting.
Should I caulk before or after painting?
Caulk gaps at trim and small cracks before painting. Wipe excess, let cure per tube label, then paint. Do not caulk over unpainted bare wood without primer first.